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Monday, May 25, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "international" (354 articles)

Gulf Times
Business

What are Trump’s options if his tariffs are ruled unlawful?

In rolling out the most aggressive tariff regime in the US in nearly a century, President Donald Trump has leaned heavily on emergency powers that had never been used before to impose import taxes. Two federal courts ruled in May that he wrongfully invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to justify sweeping “reciprocal” duties targeting America’s trading partners, as well as separate levies aimed at China, Canada and Mexico. The Trump administration appealed both decisions. Its appeal in the case brought by Democratic-led states and a group of small businesses went before the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which upheld in August that Trump exceeded his authority by using IEEPA to impose tariffs. The duties remain in effect for now and the appeals process could go all the way to the Supreme Court. If the IEEPA tariffs are ultimately deemed unlawful, the vast majority of the levies Trump has imposed so far in his second term could come undone. But there are other means by which his tariffs campaign could continue. While the Constitution gives Congress the power to levy taxes and duties, lawmakers have delegated some of their authority to the executive branch through a number of statutes. These laws give Trump at least five fallback options to try to justify his tariffs. In general, these alternatives come with more limits and procedural restrictions, meaning there’s less leeway for Trump to impose tariffs virtually immediately and set the rates as high as he chooses. “The difference between them is how much process they require,” said Ted Murphy, co-leader of the global arbitration, trade and advocacy practice at law firm Sidley Austin. “Why they chose IEEPA, I think in part, was because it comes with no required process. It’s a determination that the president can make on his or her own initiative: There’s no hearing, there’s no report, there’s no nothing.” Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 What it permits: Section 232 gives the president power to use tariffs to regulate the import of goods on national security grounds. Limitations: These tariffs can’t be imposed instantly — the president can only act after an investigation by the Commerce Department determines that importing these products threatens to impair national security. After a probe is initiated, the Commerce Secretary must report the conclusions to the president within 270 days. Unlike the blanket tariffs Trump imposed using IEEPA, Section 232 is designed to be applied to imports in individual sectors, rather than from entire countries. There’s no cap on the level of the duties or their duration. Current uses: Trump used Section 232 to set tariffs on steel and aluminium imports in 2018 during his first term in office. He resumed his focus on these two industrial metals upon returning to the White House, leaning on the findings of the 2018 investigations to impose 50% tariffs. He also introduced levies on imports of automobiles and auto parts based on the conclusions of a Section 232 investigation completed in 2019. Trump directed the Commerce Department in February to open a Section 232 investigation into copper imports, and after receiving the findings announced that a 50% tax would be charged on deliveries of semi-finished and so-called derivative copper products from August 1. There could be more Section 232 tariffs on the way. The Commerce Department has open investigations into the national security effects of imports of timber and lumber, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, trucks, critical minerals, commercial aircraft and jet engines, unmanned aircraft systems, polysilicon (a key raw material for solar panels), and wind turbines. Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974 What it permits: Section 201 authorises the president to impose tariffs if an increase in imports is causing or threatening serious injury to American manufacturers. Limitations: Section 201 tariffs can’t be rolled out immediately either. The US International Trade Commission must first conduct an investigation and has 180 days after a petition is filed to deliver its report to the president. Unlike the Section 232 probes, the ITC is required to hold public hearings and solicit public comments. Section 201 is also focused at the industry level rather than broad taxes on all imports from trading partners. The tariffs are capped at 50% above the rate of any existing duties. They can be imposed for an initial period of four years and extended to a maximum of eight years. If the levies are in place for more than a year, they must be phased down at regular intervals. Current uses: Trump used Section 201 to place tariffs on imports of solar cells and modules, as well as residential washing machines in 2018. The solar tariffs were extended and modified by President Joe Biden; the washing machine tariffs expired in 2023. Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 What it permits: Section 301 allows the US Trade Representative, under the direction of the president, to impose tariffs in response to other nations’ trade measures it deems discriminatory to American businesses or in violation of US rights under international trade agreements. Limitations: Again, this avenue doesn’t enable an instant rollout of tariffs as the USTR must first conduct an investigation. The agency is required to request consultation with the foreign government whose trade practices are being probed, and solicit public comments, which can result in public hearings. There’s no limit on the tariff rate that can be introduced. The duties automatically terminate after four years unless USTR receives a request for continuation, in which case the levies can be extended. Section 301 investigations focus on one country, but USTR can conduct parallel reviews of a common concern that relates to multiple countries. It did so during Trump’s first term, looking at the digital services taxes of 11 jurisdictions, including France and the UK. Current uses: The first Trump administration used Section 301 to impose tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of imports from China in 2018, following an investigation into China’s policies on technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation. The duties on China are still in effect — though some are the subject of ongoing legal challenges — and during his term Biden increased tariffs on certain products from China including electric vehicles. In July of this year, USTR initiated a Section 301 investigation into Brazil, looking at the country’s trade and IP policies, deforestation practices, and ethanol market access. As that probe proceeds, Trump announced that 50% tariffs on many imports from Brazil would commence on August 6 and these duties were imposed using IEEPA. Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 What it permits: Section 122 gives the president the ability to impose tariffs to address “fundamental international payments problems”. Limitations: The president doesn’t need to wait for a federal agency to conduct an investigation before he can implement the tariffs. The conditions for using Section 122 powers are to remedy “large and serious” US balance-of-payments deficits, to help correct an international balance-of-payments disequilibrium, or to prevent an “imminent and significant” depreciation of the dollar. The tariffs are capped at 15% and can only be imposed for up to 150 days. Congressional approval is required to keep the duties in place for longer. Current uses: Section 122 has never been used before. In one of the challenges to Trump’s use of IEEPA to impose tariffs V.O.S. Selections, Inc v. Trump, the case brought by five small business owners and 12 states the US Court of International Trade pointed out that if Trump wanted to impose tariffs to remedy trade deficits, this would fall under the purview of Section 122, not IEEPA. Section 338 of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 What it permits: The Depression-era provision empowers the president to introduce tariffs on imports from nations “whenever he shall find as a fact” that these countries impose unreasonable charges or limitations, or engage in discriminatory behaviour against US commerce. Limitations: There’s no prerequisite for a federal agency to conduct an investigation before the president can apply tariffs. Section 338 duties are capped at 50%. Current uses: Section 338 has never been used before to impose tariffs. If Trump were to lean on this provision, such an unprecedented move may invite legal challenges. The possibility that Trump could tap Section 338 has alarmed some Democrats in the House of Representatives five lawmakers introduced a resolution in March to repeal this section of the 1930 law.

Gulf Times
Business

Qatar Chamber organises works on international partnerships

Qatar Chamber, in co-operation with the Young Entrepreneurs Club, has organised a training workshop on international partnerships. The workshop, which saw the participation of 75 attendees, focused on international partnership management skills, the challenges facing entrepreneurs, and strategies for ensuring partnership sustainability.It provided participants with the knowledge and skills to build and manage international partnerships, covering all stages from identifying suitable partners to negotiation, contract drafting, and long-term evaluation to ensure sustainability and shared success.Abdulaziz al-Qahtani, an expert in entrepreneurship and international project management and general manager of the S CITY Platform for new ventures, highlighted the most pressing challenges entrepreneurs and startups face in forming global partnerships.Drawing on his experience with international startups through the S CITY Platform, he shared practical solutions and strategies. He noted that international partnerships are key to business growth in today’s fast-changing economy and stressed the importance for entrepreneurs to sharpen negotiation skills and manage shared resources effectively to stay competitive and enter new markets.Fatima Issa al-Kuwari, Head of Training and Development at Qatar Chamber, underlined the chamber’s commitment to developing the capabilities of young people and entrepreneurs by organising high-quality programs that strengthen their competitiveness.She noted that managing international partnerships is a key pillar of business expansion and access to new markets. Through such workshops, the chamber seeks to provide an integrated platform for training and knowledge that helps participants turn their ideas and projects into viable opportunities supported by strategic partnerships, thereby contributing to economic development and reinforcing Qatar’s position as a regional business and investment hub, according to her.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg poses with a Palestinian flag as a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and activists prepare to leave for Gaza, in Barcelona, Saturday.
Qatar

Gaza aid flotilla 'should not have to exist' says Thunberg

Aid flotillas like the one preparing to leave for Gaza would not be necessary if governments upheld international law, rights activist Greta Thunberg said Saturday."It should not have to be up to us," said the 22-year-old Swedish campaigner, who will join the flotilla when it sets off from Barcelona today."A mission like this should not have to exist," she added."It is the responsibility of countries, of our governments and elected officials to act to try to uphold international law, to prevent war crimes, to prevent genocide," she said."That is their legal duty to do. And they are failing to do so. And thereby betraying Palestinians but also all of humanity."The latest aid expedition towards Gaza is organised by a group called the Global Sumud Flotilla, which describes itself as an "independent" organisation. Sumud is the Arab word for perseverance."Our aim is to get to Gaza, to deliver the humanitarian aid, announce the opening of a humanitarian corridor and then bring more aid, and then thus also ending, breaking Israel's illegal and inhumane siege on Gaza," said Thunberg.Two attempts by activists to deliver aid by ship to Gaza, in June and July, were blocked by Israel.Troops boarded their vessels and detained the activists, bringing them ashore in Israel before expelling them. Thunberg was among the 12 activists on board the June flotilla and was deported.The organisers of this latest flotilla have not said exactly when they are setting off, nor how many boats will leave from Barcelona.The UN on August 22 declared a famine in Gaza, blaming Israel's "systematic obstruction" of aid, sparking furious denials from the Israeli authorities.

US President Donald Trump walks through the parking lot at Trump National Golf Course in Sterling, Virginia on Saturday. The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on Friday upheld an earlier ruling by the Court of International Trade that Trump wrongfully invoked the law to hit nations across the globe with steep tariffs.
Business

Trump’s global tariffs found illegal by US appeals court

Most of President Donald Trump’s global tariffs were ruled illegal by a federal appeals court that found he exceeded his authority by imposing them through an emergency law, but the judges let the levies stay in place while the case proceeds.The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on Friday upheld an earlier ruling by the Court of International Trade that Trump wrongfully invoked the law to hit nations across the globe with steep tariffs. But the appellate judges said the lower court should revisit its decision to block the tariffs for everyone, rather than just the parties in the case.“The statute bestows significant authority on the President to undertake a number of actions in response to a declared national emergency, but none of these actions explicitly include the power to impose tariffs, duties, or the like, or the power to tax,” the court said.Friday’s 7-4 decision extends the suspense over whether Trump’s tariffs will ultimately stand. The case had been expected to next go to the Supreme Court for a final ruling. The administration could now turn to the justices, who have largely backed the president on other matters. But the White House could also let the Court of International Trade revisit the matter first.‘Total Disaster’ “ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social shortly after the decision was issued.“Today a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the US of America will win in the end,” the president said. “If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country.”Trillions of dollars of global trade are embroiled in the legal fight. A final ruling tossing Trump’s tariffs would upend his much ballyhooed trade deals. The administration also would be forced to contend with demands to refund tariffs that were already paid.In telling the lower court to reconsider how broadly its ruling should apply, the Federal Circuit pointed to the Supreme Court’s recent decision on Trump’s efforts to restrict automatic birthright citizenship. That ruling barred federal judges from issuing so-called universal injunctions that go beyond the parties in a case and apply nationwide.”But the Supreme Court left open the possibility that judges in some cases could use other legal mechanisms to reach the same outcome. Indeed, several judges re-issued nationwide injunctions against Trump’s birthright citizenship restrictions, saying the sweeping orders were still appropriate under the new Supreme Court standard.The two cases at the centre of the ruling were filed by Democratic-led states and a group of small businesses. They have argued all along that a ruling against the tariffs must apply across the nation. That issue may now become a focus of further arguments.The tariff cases challenged Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to sidestep Congress and issue the tariffs, arguing that he did so to force trading partners to negotiate rather than to address any legitimate national emergency. IEEPA does not mention tariffs and had never been used in such a manner.“Notably, when drafting IEEPA, Congress did not use the term ‘tariff’ or any of its synonyms, like ‘duty’ or ‘tax,’” the court said. “There are numerous statutes that do delegate to the President the power to impose tariffs; in each of these statutes that we have identified, Congress has used clear and precise terms to delegate tariff power.”Tim Brightbill, a trade attorney at Wiley Rein who isn’t involved in the case, said the appeals court had concluded that even if IEEPA had permitted the president tariff powers, “the government exceeded its authority with the breadth and scope of these worldwide tariffs.” Administration officials have prepared options to pursue additional tariffs through other federal authorities, even amid an expected appeal, according to a person familiar.The administration had already turned increasingly to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act to pursue levies against categories of goods, from lumber to semiconductors.Other legal options lack the swift, immediate impact of the president’s original manoeuvre under IEEPA, which has fewer hurdles because it’s intended to be used in emergencies.In its May 30 ruling, the Court of International Trade found Trump improperly used IEEPA to impose the tariffs, agreeing that such power is vested in Congress by the Constitution. The Federal Circuit judges similarly signalled scepticism of Trump’s claim of broad tariff authority under IEEPA during July 31 oral arguments.Fearing that the court might rule the tariffs illegal and invalidate them immediately, the administration earlier on Friday filed statements by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning of dire foreign policy consequences if the court took such action. Bessent said it would lead to “dangerous diplomatic embarrassment” for the US.

Gulf Times
Qatar

HIA issues travel tips for 'smooth arrival' at airport  

Hamad International Airport has facilitated a “smooth and efficient journey” for returning travelers as the summer holiday season concludes and the new school year commences.Using the car park for pick-ups: For picking up arriving passengers at the airport, HIA said it is advisable to use the parking facilities to ensure smooth traffic flow, enhance safety and convenience, and avoid penalties for parking at the curbside.Flexible travel options to the city: Upon entering the Arrivals Hall, several reliable transportation options are available to reach Doha.Ride-hailing services: Uber and Badrgo are available at the designated pick-up zone in the parking facility opposite the Arrivals Hall.Doha Metro: A short indoor walk leads directly to the Metro station, connecting travellers to key destinations across the city.Taxis and buses: Authorized taxis and buses are available at the dedicated pavilions on each corner of the Arrivals Hall, ensuring service quality, safety, and reliable lost-and-found support.Other Options: Car rental, limousine, and valet services are available at both Departures and Arrivals.Baggage collection: Collecting bags at the airport has been designed to ensure a smooth and convenient experience. Oversized items such as strollers and wheelchairs are delivered on dedicated baggage belts A and B.It is recommended that fragile belongings be packed in hard-shell luggage to prevent damage. Passengers should verify their baggage tags before leaving the airport. For assistance, the Baggage Services Office is in the Arrivals Hall.Immigration processes: E-gates provide a convenient method for completing immigration procedures swiftly. Eligible travellers arriving in Doha, including families with children taller than 130cm, can utilise the service for a more efficient arrival experience.Hamad International Airport is dedicated to ensuring that the final step of the journey for returning travellers to Doha is simple, safe, and stress-free. This commitment allows passengers to focus on settling back in and preparing for the season ahead.

Gulf Times
Region

Palestinian Presidency urges international community to impose sanctions on Israeli Occupation

The Palestinian Presidency urged the international community on Wednesday to impose sanctions that would compel the Israeli occupation to reconsider its destructive policies in the region and the world, and to take immediate action to confront its defiance of international legitimacy and law, rather than limiting itself to a policy of condemnation and denunciation.In remarks, the Official Spokesperson for the Palestinian Presidency, Nabil Abu Rudeineh said that the dangerous Israeli escalation in cities, villages, and refugee camps is condemned and rejected, most recently the storming of Nablus by military forces at dawn today, the encirclement of the Old City, the targeting of citizens, and forcing them to leave their homes.He noted that this is being accompanied by the ongoing war of extermination and starvation in the Gaza Strip. He stressed the need for the occupation to bear responsibility for the escalation of its military attacks and settler terrorism against the Palestinian people, asserting that the continuation of this policy will lead to the destruction of everything and will lead the region to further tension and instability.At dawn today, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) stormed Nablus and Tulkarm, accompanied by large crowds of soldiers, and carried out raids on homes and arrests of civilians, amid a prolonged silence regarding these practices, which are increasing throughout the occupied territories and coincide with the war of extermination targeting Gaza and its people.